John Smith began his clock making business at 27 Queen Street, Derby, in 1856. Smith had been apprenticed to Derby clock maker John Whitehurst, of Iron Gate, and it was from Whitehurst that Smith had bought the Queen Street premises, the Whitehurst family home. The building itself has a very interesting history. American statesman Benjamin Franklin had visited his friend Whitehurst there. Earlier, it had been home to both Denby born Astronomer Royal John Flamsteed and artist Joseph Wright. Part of the building had also at one time been a pub, The Acorn.
Back gates and alley
Inside the gate
View down the yard
Not a great deal to see inside, pitch black in places
Back gates and alley
Inside the gate
View down the yard
Not a great deal to see inside, pitch black in places